Real estate daily dish

Bankrate looks at some of the reasons a refi might work for you, including getting out of an adjustable-rate mortgage.

•U.S. News and World Report also takes a look at low mortgage interest rates in this story and says you’d better hurry if you’re interested.

Could rates move lower from current, ultra-low levels? Sure. If the U.S. economy slows sharply or a fresh crisis rattles global confidence, consumers could see financing costs become even cheaper. But given that rates are now sitting near 40-year lows, you’re better off locking in a rate today rather than holding out for a better deal.

•I love this Spaces story about Lisa and Jeffrey Schmidt’s downtown loft.

Their 3,400-square-foot, two-level home is in the South End Lofts project on South Flores Street. Their loft was once part of a lumber warehouse and later housed a nightclub.

The lineage of the home is apparent in the exposed water pipes running along walls and ceilings and in the polished concrete floors. In some places, the ceilings are 16 feet high.

Lisa Schmidt is a downtown real estate agent and a huge promoter of urban living, and also has a great website for people who are wondering where they can find a condo or loft downtown.